IMD Issues Red Alert for Kerala Amid Torrential Rains; Telangana Braces for Early Monsoon Arrival

New Delhi : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in 11 districts of Kerala today, warning of extremely heavy rainfall across the region. The remaining three districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha—are under an orange alert, signaling isolated heavy to very heavy showers.

In response to the weather warnings, district authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions, including professional colleges, in ten districts. This closure also applies to anganwadis, coaching centers, and madrasas. Major universities like Kannur University and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University have postponed all examinations scheduled for the day, though other exams in the state will proceed as planned.

The IMD also warned of squally weather with wind speeds reaching up to 55 kmph along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until May 29. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high wave alert, forecasting waves of up to 4 meters and cautioning against the use of small boats and engaging in near-shore recreational activities.

Heavy rains on Sunday caused widespread damage across the state, with trees and electric poles uprooted, traffic disrupted, and houses damaged. Several parts of Kerala reported significant loss to agriculture. The inflow into reservoirs has increased, prompting authorities to release excess water from multiple dams as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Telangana is preparing for the early arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, with rainfall expected in several districts over the next five days. The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for multiple regions in the state till May 30.

With Kerala receiving the monsoon eight days ahead of schedule, the weather system is advancing quickly across the subcontinent. Officials confirmed that the monsoon has already covered Goa, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the North Bay of Bengal, with further progression expected over the next 72 hours.